Clipper



A. E. ROLA March 18, 1969 CLIPPER Sheet Filed Oct.

A TTOKNEY' March 18, 1969 v,Q E, ROLA 3,433,109

CLIPPER Filed oct. s, 196e sheet 2 of 5 any. 2.

A frog/vari' March 18, 1969 A. E. ROLA 3,433,109

BY/Mg. Mue( ,4 rroRA/Ey United States Patent O 5 Claims ABSTRACT 0F THE DISCLOSURE A clipper with a frame comprising an elongated torque resistant section with standards supporting the ends of this section. A knife mounting bar dependently supported underneath the torque resistant section is moved vertically in a cutting path through operation of a ram supported through its cylinder end on the torque resistant section. The means dependently supporting the mounting b-ar beneath the torque resistant section comprises a shaft connected through multiple radially extending crank levers and pivoted links to the knife mounting bar. Actuation of the ram produces rotation of said shaft with up Vand down movement of the mounting bar.

This invention relates to clipper apparatus of the type that includes a knife movable in cutting and return passes for the purpose of severing an elongated continuous web into shorter pieces.

A clipper of this general description is employed quite commonly in the cutting of a continuous web of veneer into sheets of predetermined width, or of mandorn width with the trimming off of imperfect portions. The clipper of the invention is particularly suited for the cutting of veneer, because of a characteristic fast cutting -action in the knife, and other features of construction making it rugged and thus capable of withstanding over prolonged periods the jars and severe stressing to which a clipper of this description normally is subjected. The clipper, therefore, is described in conjunction with the cutting veneer, although it is not intended by this to limit the clipper to one necessarily handling such material.

A general object of the invention is to provide an improved clipper featuring a novel type frame which is relatively simply constructed, but nevertheless extremely sturdy and fully capable of withstanding the repeated jarring which characterizes clipper operation.

More specically, an object is to provide, in a clipper, a frame comprising an elongated torque resistant section, standards supporting this section in a susbtantially horizontal position above the ground, and power-operated means for actuating a knife assembly in the clipper, so arranged that when the power-operated means is actuated, reaction forces produced in the power-operated means result in the application of torques to the torque resistant section which are absorbed by the section.

In a preferred specific embodiment of the invention, the power-operated means comprises a fluid-operated ram, and such is mounted on bracket structure secured to the torque resistant section in a position extending transversely of the section at a point located intermediate its ends. The ram is operatively connected to the knife assembly, and on extension (or contraction) of the ram, reaction forces in the ram result in torsional forces applied to the section which are resisted by the section.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a clipper with novel means for holding a supply of uid under pressure, useable for energizing an extensible fluidoperated ram which actuates the knife assembly.

Describing a specific embodiment of the invention, and features contributing to the unique character of the 3,433,109 Patented Mar. 18, 1969 ICC clipper, the clipper frame comprises two opposed upstanding standards and an elongated section supported by these standards in a substantially horizontal position over the ground. It is contemplated that the elongated frame section be in the form of an elongated hollow cylinder closed at its ends and capable of holding a supply of ,air under pressure. The knife assembly for the clipper is supported from the cylinder through brackets depending from the underside of the cylinder which mount a shaft generally paralleling the cylinder. Multiple crank levers mounted on this shaft carry pivoted links which support a knife mounting bar in the knife assembly. Pivoted guide arms distributed along the length of the bar guide the bar in a dened path during cutting and return strokes. A doubleacting fluid ram has its extensible end connected through another lever to said shaft, whereby on extension (or contraction) of the ram, the shaft is rotated to produce actuation of the bar and any clipper knife mounted thereon. The rams other end is mounted on the cylinder through trunnion structure Iand brackets. The hollow cylinder is employed as a reservoir or tank for holding a supply of air under pressure utilized to actuate the ram. The usual compressor or other compressed air supply means replenishes air to the cylinder as the same is used.

With the organization, there is close coupling of the ram to a reservoir containing compressed air, which is important in obtaining fast, uniform response in the knife with minimal fluctuation in air pressure produced by actuation of the ram. The construction contemplated enables a knife bar of relatively light mass to be employed, important in minimizing jarring produced by clipper operation.

Other objects and advantages are attained by the invention, as will be apparent from the following description, to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating portions of a veneer clipper as contemplated herein, viewing the clipper from its feed end, and showing feed and off bearing conveyor structures for moving veneer through the clipper;

FIG. 2 is an other perspective view, on a slightly smaller scale, showing the off bearing end of the clipper illustrated in FIG. l; and

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, on a somewhat larger scale, and taken generally along the line 3 3 in FIG. 2, illustrating further details of the clipper construction.

Referring now to the drawings, the clipper indicated generally at 10 includes a frame 12 comprising opposed upstanding standards 14, 16 on either side of the clipper, and elongated frame sections 18, 20 connected to and extending between the standards 14, 16. The standards may, as shown, comprise plates of approximately A-shaped outline, with pads 14a, 16a along the base of these plates supporting the standards on the ground. Frame section 20, which supports an anvil assembly 21 in the clipper, may take the form of a conventional I beam, which beam is secured at its ends through fasteners 22 to the standards.

As contemplated herein, a knife assembly 25 in the clipper, as well as a power-operated means 27 provided for actuating the knife assembly, are supported primarily through structure secured to frame section 18. It is further contemplated that power-operated means 27 be operated by uid under pressure, such as compressed air, and a large supply of such air be held in close proximity to means 27 to enable the fastest and most uniform response possible in the actuation of means 27. Both of these ends are attained by providing an upper frame section which is in the form of an elongated hollow cylinder, such as the cylindrical shell specifically at 18a, which shell is closed off at its ends by plates lb whereby the cylinder may function as a reservoir or tank for The frame section, also referred to herein as a torque resistant section, is secured to standards 14, 16 as lby fasteners 24. Suitably joined to the base of shell 18a, and fastened thereto as by welding, is an elongated channel piece 26. This channel piece provides a mounting for bracket structure 28 depending from the channel piece supporting knife assembly 25.

Further describing the mounting for the knife assembly, fastened to the underside of channel piece 26 is an elongated plate 32. Multiple brackets 34 distributed along the length of this beam and projecting radially from cylinder shell 18a are joined to the under face of the beam by fastener 36. Bearings 38 suitably mounted adjacent the bottom ends of brackets 34 journal an elongated shaft 40 which extends across the clipper in a position substantially paralleling section 18.

Secured to shaft 40, preferably adjacent a bracket 34, .and extending generally downwardly from such shaft, are multiple levers 42. These levers have ends spaced radially from the axis of shaft 40 which are pivotally joined, at 44, to links 46. The links extend downwardly from the levers to a knife mounting Ibar indicated at 48, which bar is positioned generally parallel to shaft 40. Connecting the bar and links at points distributed along the length of the bar are pivot connections 50. Each lever and its associated link comprises a toggle link mechanism which moves in a vertical plane extending transversely of the knife mounting bar.

A knife for the knife assembly is shown at 52. The knife is fastened to the bar through fasteners 54.

Means is provided for guiding the knife in the knife assembly whereby on the various levers 42 swinging about the axis of shaft 40 from left to right in FIG. 3 (and on the levers swinging in the opposite direction to return them to their original position as shown in solid outline) the knife is caused first to move substantially vertically downwardly and then to move vertically upwardly, in cutting and return passes. Such guide means in the ernbodiment of the invention illustrated comprises multiple rocker or guide arms 56 mounted on and projecting to one side of a shaft 58 provided on the olf bearing side of the clipper. The shaft has its opposite ends journaled, as by bearing 60, in the standards of the clipper frame. The arms, which are located at points distributed along the length of shaft 58, have their set of ends remote from shaft 58 secured to the knife mounting bar at points distributed along the length of this bar. The arms stabilize the knife mounting bar and knife, so that on movement of levers 42 the bar and knife move in an arc of large radius in an essentially vertical direction.

It will be noted that by providing such rocker arms for guiding the mounting bar, the movement of the bar may readily be guided at any of multiple points distributed along the length of the bar. The organization, therefore, is one which permits the use of a bar of relatively light mass. Further, with levers 42 swinging in vertical planes extending transversely of the knife, multiple sets of levers and links 46 may be provided at relatively close spacing along lthe length of the mounting bar, Without the operation of one lever arm and its connected link interfering with the operation of adjacent arms and links. This is a further feature promoting the use of a relatively light mounting bar.

Considering now details of anvil assembly 21, supporting the underface of a veneer sheet when the same is cut by a knife is an anvil member, such as the elongated element shown at 62, which may lbe made of rubber or other elastomeric material. The member is clamped between opposed clamp portions 64, 66 carried on clamping mountings 68, 70. These clamp mountings are suitably supported on frame section 20 by means (not shown) Iaccommodating separation of the clamp portions to permit loosening of the anvil member.

Power-operated means 27 provided in the clipper for actuating the knife comprises a double-acting ram 76 including an extensible piston rod 76a and a cylinder 7611. The ram is positioned laterally to one side of .and `substantially midway between the ends of frame section 18, in a position extending transversely of the frame section. Cylinder 76b of the ram is supported on the clipper frame through brackets 82 joined to the off bearing side of frame section 18, and trunnion assembly 84, which accommodates pivoting of the ram cylinder about a horizontal axis substantially paralleling frame section,18.

Joined to shaft 40 adjacent the center of the clipper, and projecting upwardly from this shaft, are a pair of lever arms 78. The upper ends of these lever arms are pivotally connected to piston rod 76a by pivot connection 80.

Brackets 82 may also be utilized to provide additional support for shaft 58 mentioned in connection with the guiding of the knife mounting bar. Thus, the brackets are illustrated as having extensions 82a, which extend downwardly toward shaft 58. Journaling portions of the shaft intermediate its ends are bearings 86 mounted adjacent lower ends of extensions 82a. The brackets themselves may be interbraced adjacent their upper extremities, as by brace 88, and adjacent their lower extremities, as by brace 90.

When the knife mounting bar is actuated by the ram, as by extension of the ram from the contracted position shown in FIG. 3, and on the clipper knife meeting resistance, brackets 34 supporting shaft 40 in the knife assembly tend to exert a torque on frame section :18 extending in a clockwise direction in FIG. 3. Reaction forces in the cylinder of the ram, through brackets 82, produce a torque -in section -18 extending in a counterclockwise direction. These torsional forces are absorbed by the cylindrical frame section.

In operation of the double-acting ram, air under pressure escapes from the supply of such air tending to produce a drop in the pressure of said air. To minimize pressure fluctuations, it has been found important to provide a relatively large volume of compressed air irnrnediately adjacent the ram, and conduit means connecting this volume and the ram having minimal length, thus to obtain the closest possible coupling between the two. Cylindrical frame section 18, as previously described, is closed off at its ends, and the interior of this section is utilized as a tank or reservoir for holding such a supply of compressed air.

Shown at 92, is a conventional valve Iwhich is remotely controlled to provide, when actuated, first the admission of air under pressure to one end of the ram cylinder and the exhaust of air from the opposite end of the cylinder, and on a subsequent actuation the supply of air under pressure to said opposite end of the rarn cylinder with exhaust of air taking place from the first-mentioned cylinder end. The hoses which connect this valve to the opposite ends o-f the ram cylinder are shown at 94, 96. A pipe connecting the valve and the interior of cylindrical section -18 is shown at `98 (see FIG. 3). Air under pressure is supplied to the interior of the cylindrical section, to replenish air Withdrawn therefrom, by a conduit or pipe l (see FIG. 2), which is connected to the usual compressed air supply where the clipper is located.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, a traveling web of veneer work is carried to the clipper on feed conveyor 102. Ihis feed conveyor may comprise a series of conveyor belts 104 with upper runs 10411 slidably supported on rails 106,

at a level approximately corresponding to the level of anvil member 62. The belts are trained over pulleys 108, which pulleys are mounted on a shaft '110 extending between the standards and journaled on the standards.

Engaging the upper face of the web of veneer immediately adjacent the knife and anvil assembly are the lower runs of hold-down belts @1*12. Each of these holddown belts is trained over a large pulley 114 and a small pulley 1116, and between these pulleys the lower run of a hold-down belt follows the contour of the feed conveyor belt which is provided directly below. Pulleys 114 for the various hold-down belts are joined to a common sha-ft 118, which shaft like shaft 110 is journaled adjacent opposite ends in standards l14, 116. The small pulleys y116 are each journaled between a pair of struts 120 which straddle the pulley, and have their opposite ends straddling pulley 114 and journaled on shaft 118. Shown at 112 is a tightener roller 4(one being provided each hold-down belt) which is journaled on arms 124 pivoted to struts 120, and the roller is forced by Igravity downwardly against the upper run of a hold-down belt to tighten it in its course extending about pulleys 1\14, r116.

Veneer after being cut is carried a-way from the clipper on oif bearing conveyor 126 (shown in FIGS. l and 3 but omitted from FIG. 2). Making up this conveyor are multiple belts 128 trained over pulleys, such as pulley 130. Pulleys 130 are joined to a shaft 132, which shaft is journaled adjacent opposite ends in standards 14, 16.

Mechanism is provided for rotating shaft 1'10, 1'18, and '132 under power, whereby the upper runs of belts 104 and the lower runs of the hold-down -belts move conjointly and at the same rate of speed toward the knife and anvil assemblies of the clipper, and whereby the upper runs of belts 128 move conjointly and at the same rate of speed away from the knife and anvil assemblies on the olf bearing side of the clipper. The drive mechanism is for the most part enclosed in a housing 135 shown in FIG. l, which housing has been removed in FIG. 2 best to illustrate details of the drive mechanism.

yReferring to lFIG. 2, a chain 134 trained over sprockets 136, 137 Iinterconnects shafts 1:10, 132, and a chain 140 trained over sprockets 142, 144 connects shaft 110 and shalft 118. Also training chain 140 is an idler sprocket 146 rotatably mounted on the side of standard '16. Power is transmitted to the drive mechanism described by a power driven chain 150 trained about sprocket 152 secured to shaft 110.

From the above it will be apparent that the clipper of the yinvention has a number of novel features which distinguish it from presently known types of devices. SumtmariZin-g a few of these features, cylindrical frame section 18 which forms the top of the clipper frame in the type of construction described functions as a torque resistant member absorbing the torques created when ram 76 is extended or contracted to produce cutting and return passes in the knife assembly. The frame section further, by comprising a hollow cylinder, functions as a tank or reservoir for holding a large volume of compressed air or Huid under pressure immediately adjacent the rarn, -whereby upon actuation of the ram fluctuations in air pressure are kept to a The knife assembly for the most part is dependently supported from the bottom of cylindrical frame section 18. The mechanism employed for producing cutting and return passes in the knife, and the mechanism provided for guiding the knife in its up and down movement, is such that a relatively light Weight knife mounting bar may be employed, which is advantageous in minimizing the jarring produced by the clipper during cutting, and in producing a fast response.

While there has been described an embodiment of the invention, variations and modifications in the organization and construction of the device will, of course, become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is desired not to be limited to the specic construction disclosed, but to cover all such modifications and variations as would be apparent to one skilled in the art, and that come within the scope of the appended claims.

It is claimed and desired to secure by Letters Patent:

1. In a clipper,

a frame comprising an elongated torque resistant section extending across the top of the frame, and `opposed upstanding standards joined to opposite ends of said section supporting the same in a substantially horizontal position above the ground,

an elongated knife assembly disposed beneath said section including a knife mounting bar substantially paralleling the torque resistant section, and means mounting said assembly on the frame accommodating movement nf the assembly in cuting and return passes, the latter means comprising mounting brackets joined to and projecting laterally of the torque resistant section intermediate said standards,

power-operated means connected to said knife assembly for actuating the knife assembly in its cutting and return passes, and

a mounting for said power-operated means, mounting it on said torque resistant section in such manner that reaction forces produced in the power-operated means on actuation of the knife assembly imparts a torque to said section resisted by the section.

2. The equipment `of claim 1, wherein said poweroperated means comprises a uid operated ram located laterally and intermediate the ends of the torque resistant section and disposed in a position elevated above the mounting bar, and the Iclipper further comprises means for guiding work through the clipper and under the mounting bar and said ram.

3. The clipper of claim 1, wherein the means mounting the knife assembly on the frame further comprises multiple toggle link mechanisms supported by said bracket distributed along the length of said bar which dependently support the bar, the toggle link mechanisms moving in vertical planes extending transversely of the mounting bar, and the clipper includes means for guiding work in a path thorugh the clipper which extends under the mounting `bar and the toggle link mechanisms.

4. The clipper of claim 3, which further comprises rocker arms for guiding the mounting bar in its up and down movement, said arms having one set of ends connected to the mounting bar and their opposite set of ends rockably supported by means extending between said standards, said rocker arms being supported above the path of work through the clipper.

5. The clipper of claim 3, wherein the means mounting the knife assembly on said frame further comprises a shaft extending substantially parallel t-o the torque resistant section mounted on said brackets, and said toggle link mechanisms have upper extremities mounted on said shaft.

References lCited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,165,021 l/l965 Telfer 83--605 X FOREIGN PATENTS 780,674 8/ 1957 Great Britain.

DONALD R. SCHRAN, Primary Examiner.

F. T. YOST, Assistant Examiner.

U.S. Cl. X.R. 

